Inter Miami has advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals for the first time following a dramatic three-goal comeback against Los Angeles FC (LAFC), led by Lionel Messi.
The Argentine superstar scored twice, including the decisive penalty kick in the 84th minute, helping Inter Miami secure a 3-1 victory on Wednesday night and a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-leg matchup.
“We gave it our all,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said. “We wanted it, we wanted to be in the semis, and I think it showed. Many times luck has to be on your side, and we had it.”
Inter Miami entered the match already trailing after losing the series opener 1-0 at LAFC last week. Their situation worsened when Aaron Long scored an away goal in the ninth minute, giving LAFC a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead early in the return leg.
Facing the need to score at least three goals to advance, Inter Miami’s prospects seemed challenging. However, with Messiโan eight-time Ballon d’Or winnerโanything was possible.
Messi initiated the comeback in the 35th minute, finding space near the top of the 18-yard box to level the match at 1-1, setting the stage for Miami’s rally.
After the hour mark, Allen received a pass from Messi outside the Los Angeles penalty area and chipped the ball toward the net. The ball evaded everyone and bounced into the goal.
Inter Miami maintained pressure throughout the match and successfully argued for a handball call six minutes before full time. Messi converted the resulting penalty for a 3-1 lead, securing their semifinal berth. This marked his 42nd goal in 48 appearances across all competitions since joining Inter Miami.
“This is the way,” Mascherano said. “This is the way to play football. They gave everything. I’m very happy.”
Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made two crucial saves in the final minutes for Inter Miami, who will face either Mexican club Pumas or the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF tournament’s semifinals.
The first leg of that two-leg semifinal matchup is scheduled to begin on either April 22, 23, or 24.
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